John H Little

John Howard (Jack) Little, age 87, of O’Fallon, Missouri entered his heavenly home on June 20, 2016. He was born September 25, 1928, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, son of Percy Robert and Carrie Anna Mayme (Babb) Little. For 52 years he was the beloved husband of Linda Jane Long, who survives at their home.

Jack earned a B.S. degree in Physical Education and Earth Science from Southeast Missouri State University and briefly taught school and coached in Elmo, Missouri. Teaching, however, was not to be his career. Rather, he chose a life of service as a Missouri State Highway Patrolman and Missouri Army National Guard officer.

He joined the Missouri Army National Guard, December 10, 1946. He attended the Rifle Marksmanship Instructors Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, Military Police Battalion Commanders Course, Fort Gordon, Georgia and the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He commanded the 204th Military Police Battalion, the 175th Military Police Battalion and his last assignment was commander of Troop Command Headquarters STARC in Kansas City, MO. Colonel Little’s military career spanned 39 years. During his service, he was awarded the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit (the highest award issued outside of combat).

Jack was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol June 16, 1952 and after a dedicated career and faithful service, he retired March 1, 1987. Major Little was stationed in Dexter, Perryville, Poplar Bluff, Rolla and Jefferson City. He was assigned to the Training Academy as an instructor in 1964. He was selected to and attended the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, graduating in 1966. He was then selected to attend the Traffic Institute at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating in 1967 as the class valedictorian. Upon graduation, he was assigned to General Headquarters in Jefferson City. During the next 20 years he worked in Planning and Research, was Director of Personnel and Training, was Chief of the Support Services Bureaus and served as Assistant Superintendent under Colonel A. Whitmer. He assisted in formulating many of the policies and programs still in use today. Promotions included: sergeant in 1965, lieutenant in 1968, captain in 1972 and major in 1981. The Little family has a legacy of Missouri State Highway Patrol service. His father, Percy Robert Little, brothers William R. Little and Robert G. Little, brother-in law, Bill J. Adams, and nephew Philip J. Little all served.

Jack was a lifelong Cardinal’s Baseball fan and an avid Jefferson City Jays football fan. He loved fishing, camping and gardening. He was ready to travel this great country at a moment’s notice, sharing the beauty of the United States with his children. He was a man of faith and loved God. A fierce patriot, he loved his country and doted on his family. He loved exploring with and teaching his grandbabies. He was a gifted story teller. One of his dear friends referred to him as a “gentle giant of a man” a true friend.

Jack was a member of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, St. Peters, MO, American Legion Home Post 5, Jefferson City, MO, Area II, MoNGA Retirees, Southeast Missouri Retired National Guard Association, Military Officers Association of America, and Life member of Northwestern University Traffic Institute, Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Association and Abe’s Boys.

Survivors include his wife Linda, and four children: John Winfield Little (Monica), Kailua Kona, Hawaii; Mary Ann Persigo (Mark), Madisonville, LA; Angela Lynn Werner (John), Wasilla, AK, and Pamela Lynn Bradley (Troy), Columbia, MO.

Grandchildren, Brian Joseph Smith, Jr., Metarie, LA, Lyndi Derheim (Matthew), Palmer, AK, Carrianna Werner, Houston, TX, Madison Bradley, Jared Bradley, Columbia, MO, Kyle Bradley (Lisa), Fort Eustis, VA, Amanda Bradley Drabble (Edward), Australia. His great grandchildren are, Elizabeth and Addison Derheim, Madison Elizabeth O’Neal, Ema, Lilli and Penelope Bradley.

Other survivors are his sister JoAnn Adams (Bill), Cape Girardeau, MO; sister-in-law Carolyn Little (John Ruester), Cape Girardeau, MO, and sister-in-law, Olga Little, Van Buren, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy Robert and Mayme (Babb), and brothers, William R. Little and Robert G. Little.

Memorials can be made out to the Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church of St Peters - Benevolent Fund, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, The MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society) or USO.